ECIS ESLMT Conference 2017

Audience: Middle school and high school second/foreign language

Abstract: Research over the last few decades shows that grammar study has no impact on developing communicative competence. Rather, we develop the ability to use language by exposure to comprehensible and interesting input. 

Grammatical rules are at best inconsistent and unreliable, which makes the term “rule” a misnomer all together.  Consistently ambiguous, grammar rules are extremely difficult to learn and nearly impossible to apply with any level of reliability or accuracy, and more importantly, they are a distraction from the real purpose of language classes.   

There are, however, a number of instances when conscious knowledge of grammar can help: It can be of service in editing, and may occasionally help language acquirers better understand messages. It can also serve as an introduction to Linguistics. 

One way to introduce grammar in a way consistent with its uses and limitations is through "pop-up grammar," occasional explanations of selected aspects of grammar that take little time (sometimes less than a minute). We present some examples, classroom video clips and student reactions.